Shloka 5

Devatā-Pratiṣṭhā: Maṇḍapa Construction, Dikpāla Worship, Kalaśa-Abhiṣeka, Nyāsa and Homa Procedures

Devanagari script

कुर्याद्द्वादशहस्तं वा स्तम्भैः षोडशभिर्युतम् / ध्वजाष्टकैश्चतुर्हस्तां मध्ये वेदिं च कारयेत्

Transliteration

kuryāddvādaśahastaṃ vā stambhaiḥ ṣoḍaśabhiryutam / dhvajāṣṭakaiścaturhastāṃ madhye vediṃ ca kārayet

Translation

One should construct (the pavilion/structure) to a measure of twelve hastas, furnished with sixteen pillars; and with eight flagpoles make it four hastas in extent, and have a vedī (altar) made in the middle.

Word by Word

• कुर्यात्: should make
• कुर्यात्: Kriyā (Main action)
• Type: Verb
• Root: कृ (धातु)
• Form: विधिलिङ् (Optative), परस्मैपद, प्रथमपुरुष, एकवचन; should make

• द्वादशहस्तम्: (of) twelve cubits
• द्वादशहस्तम्: Viśeṣaṇa (Measure qualifier)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: द्वादश + हस्त (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, द्वितीया, एकवचन; द्विगु-समासः (twelve-hands in measure); Accusative singular (elliptically qualifying मण्डपम्)

• वा: or
• वा: Vikalpa (Alternative)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: वा (अव्यय)
• Form: अव्यय; विकल्पार्थक (or)

• स्तम्भैः: with pillars
• स्तम्भैः: Karaṇa (Instrument/Means)
• Type: Noun
• Root: स्तम्भ (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया, बहुवचन; Instrumental plural

• षोडशभिः: sixteen (in number)
• षोडशभिः: Karaṇa (Instrument/Means)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: षोडशन् (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: त्रिलिङ्ग, तृतीया, बहुवचन; Numeral adjective; Instrumental plural (agreeing with स्तम्भैः)

• युतम्: provided with
• युतम्: Viśeṣaṇa (Qualifier)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: युत (प्रातिपदिक; √युज् क्त)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, द्वितीया, एकवचन; क्त-प्रत्ययान्त (past participle) used adjectivally; ‘युक्तम्’ = furnished with

• ध्वजाष्टकैः: with eight flags
• ध्वजाष्टकैः: Karaṇa (Instrument/Means)
• Type: Noun
• Root: ध्वज + अष्टक (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया, बहुवचन; द्विगु-समासः (eight flags/flag-staffs); Instrumental plural

• चतुर्हस्ताम्: four cubits (wide/long)
• चतुर्हस्ताम्: Viśeṣaṇa (Measure qualifier)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: चतुर् + हस्त (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, द्वितीया, एकवचन; द्विगु-समासः (four-hands in measure); Accusative singular qualifying वेदिम्

• मध्ये: in the middle
• मध्ये: Adhikaraṇa (Location)
• Type: Noun
• Root: मध्य (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, सप्तमी, एकवचन; Locative singular used adverbially

• वेदिम्: an altar
• वेदिम्: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: वेदी (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, द्वितीया, एकवचन; Accusative singular

• च: and
• च: Samuccaya (Coordination)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: च (अव्यय)
• Form: अव्यय; समुच्चयबोधक (and)

• कारयेत्: should have (it) made
• कारयेत्: Kriyā (Main action)
• Type: Verb
• Root: कृ (धातु) [णिच्]
• Form: विधिलिङ् (Optative), परस्मैपद, प्रथमपुरुष, एकवचन; णिच्-प्रयोग (causative) ‘should cause to be made’

Speaker

Lord Viṣṇu (in instruction to Garuḍa)

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: Ritual space must be proportioned and structured; the center (vedī) is the axis of offering and presence.

Vedantic Theme: Outer order supports inner order: disciplined form (niyama) steadies mind for devotion and right action.

Application: In ceremonies, establish clear structure: defined space, roles, and a ‘center’ (altar/focus) to prevent distraction and preserve sanctity.

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: shanta

Secondary Rasa: adbhuta

Geographic Context

Type: temple precinct

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.48 (continuation of mandapa/vedi construction details)

Characters & Entities

• Vedi
• Dhvaja
• Stambha

FAQs

What is the importance of constructing a vedī (altar) in Garuda Purana rites?

This verse emphasizes a correctly prepared ritual space: an altar placed centrally within a measured, pillar-supported structure, indicating order, sanctity, and procedural correctness in prescribed rites.

How does this verse relate to Garuda Purana guidance on death rituals?

Rather than describing the soul’s journey directly, it gives practical liturgical instructions—how the ritual enclosure and central vedī should be arranged—supporting the proper performance of rites associated with dharma and post-death observances.

Practical application of this wisdom today?

Even when exact traditional measurements are adapted, the takeaway is to perform rites with clarity and reverence: establish a clean, well-organized ritual area with a defined central focus (altar), following competent guidance.